Dovie Diana Dawson

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Dovie Diana Dawson on January 29th, 2026, at age 78. Her life was defined by love, faith, and service to others. She was born on June 20, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Beatrice Gafford and Emmit DeVazier. For many years, Dovie travelled alongside her husband Glenn. She shared 45 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband and for 42 years they resided in Kilgore, TX. She lived a life rooted in her Christian faith, rich in kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family and community.

She had a deep love for sewing and crocheting, a talent she used not only for her own family but also as a way to serve others. Christmas was her favorite time of year, a season she filled with purpose and joy. Alongside her church friends, she lovingly made clothing for impoverished children and helped collect items for Operation Christmas Child that were sent to children in need around the world. Giving was not something she did, it was who she was.

She is survived by her husband, Glenn; her three daughters Debbie Thompson and partner Brady Garrett, Melissa Norris and husband Tony Norris, and Rebbecca Oliver. She is also survived by her Grandchildren: Samantha Penland, Wade Thompson and wife Chelsi Thompson, Bailey Thompson and wife Kayla Thompson, Rachel Morgan and husband Austin Morgan, Jesse Norris, Joshua Spedowski, Paige Powell and husband Ryan Powell, Jonathan Spedowski, Matthew Dorsey and partner Jessica Sanders, Alison Ybarra and husband Ricky Ybarra, Jenna Oliver and partner Juan Moreno, along with 24 great grandchildren and also her best friend of 38 years, Linda Russell and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, a brother, and a daughter, Baby Latham. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with her compassion, quiet strength and strong opinion.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her generous heart, her steady faith, and the love she so freely gave.

Celebration of life will be at Kilgore First Baptist Church on February 7th, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a visitation being held at 10 AM. Flowers will be received at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater who is managing her service. Contributions in her memory can be made to Kilgore First Baptist Church Sewing Ministry or to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.